UNIT 3

TOUR GUIDING AS A
PROFESSION
UNIT 3

TOUR GUIDING AS A
PROFESSION
 Have you ever joined a tour with
a professional tour guide?
Everyone, at one time or another, has considered what it would be like to be a tour guide.
Tour is escorting, tour guiding has become one of the most attractive and glamorous jobs
in the travel industry. Getting paid to travel for free is indeed very exciting, rewarding
and fulfilling profession. Meeting different types of people, from various parts of the
globe, staying in a high-end accommodation, dining at a plush specialty restaurant,
being part of the VIPs' events and occasions they need to attend, these are just some of
the "money can't buy experiences and exposures the tour guiding profession gives.
In the travel industry, however, the term "tour guide" has a precise meaning. Often called
frontline, he takes tourists on sightseeing tours for a limited and specified duration of
time. To define tour guide, one will have to consider the amount of work he is expected to
perform under the scope of a tour guide's role which is so varied and by the provision of
tourist services being requested. (Guides Inc., 1980).

An excellent tour guide has the assurance and tact of a diplomat, the knowledge of a
scholar, the performance of an entertainer, and the organizational abilities of a time
management expert. (Mancini, 2001).
The Department of Tourism defines a tour guide as a person
trained, licensed and accredited to conduct a tour for a fee.
However, this is not the only requirement for this profession.
Before a tour guide can perform his duties officially and
professionally, requirements must be met, documents
submitted, and proper training completed.
 Training Defined
It is an organized activity aimed at imparting information and
instructions to improve the recipient's performance or to help him or her
attain a required level of knowledge or skill. Training is teaching or
developing in oneself or others, any skills, and knowledge that relate to
specific useful competencies. Training has specific goals of improving
one's capability, capacity, productivity, and performance.
 Department of Tourism Seminar/Training
for Tour Guides
On-line application for training and accreditation is now available through the DOT portal and to
name a few links.

The kind of training conducted by the Department of Tourism for tour guides is specifically
designed based on the kind of tour guides in demand for a particular area. It can be regional
training, which normally lasts for about a month. Daily topics are presented to the enthusiastic
tour guides/ participants by industry experts, making the training a rigorous one, because of
examinations, assessments, oral and written validations, role playing, video-critiquing and other
means used to assess the competency of the trainee participant.
 Some of the topics discussed are:
• Overview of the Tourism Industry • Commentary making
• Trends and updates in the Tourism • Itinerary planning
Industry • Tourist Market Patterns
• Childwise Tourism • Safety and security
• The Philippines as a Destination • First Aid
• Tourism Statistics
• Marketing a destination
• Environmental issues
• Flora and Fauna
• Current events
• History and culture
• Souvenirs and Handicrafts
• Geography, time zones of the earth • Values Formation
• Psychology of Tourists • Personality Development & Customer
• Research service
 Accreditation Defined

It means a certification issued by the Department of Tourism, that

the holder is recognized by the Department, as having complied
with the minimum standards for the operation of the establishment
concerned.
Before the implementation of R.A.7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), Department of Tourism carried
out the tasks of training, licensing and accreditation of tourism establishment and personnel including tour
guides. Presently, because of the devolution of powers to the LGUs, the licensing of tour guides is now with
the local government units. Training and accreditation are still given by the DOT.
Another law was passed, R. A. 9593 (Tourism Act of 2009): which is still on-going implementation. Below
is the content of this ACT.

Republic Act No. 9593 (Authored By Sen. Richard Gordon And Rep. Edgardo Chato)

"An Act Declaring A National Policy For Tourism As An Engine Of Investment,

Employment Growth And National Development, And Strengthening The
Department Of Tourism And It Attached Agencies To Effectively Efficiently Implement
That Policy, And Appropriating Funds, Therefore.”
 Benefits and Incentives of Accreditation with the
ACCREDITATION means a certification issued by tourism enterprises that have complied with
Department of Tourism
the minimum and progressive levels of operating quality and internationally recognized standards
for the operation and maintenance of their tourism facilities and services. For this purpose, a
compendium of benefits and incentives is hereby granted to accredited entities, to wit:

1. Inclusion of your company profile in our official websites at

www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com or www.tourism.gov.ph and www.visitmyphilippines.com
where database-related information on all accredited establishments in the country is made
available for the consumption of foreign and local tourists and travelers;
2. Entitlement to subsidized human resource development seminars like waitering and
bartending course, tour guiding, front office management, housekeeping, efficient customer
relations seminar, among other courses;

3. Endorsement of tourism infrastructure projects to appropriate government agencies such

as BOI or TIEZA for availing of incentives such as reduction in applicable real
estate/income taxes, tax and duty-free importation of capital goods and equipment, waivers
of fees and charges, including non-fiscal benefits and provide technical assistance to
incentive-giving institutions in the formulation of tourism incentives and administration of
their functions (R.A. 9593 or National Tourism Act 2009);
4. Endorsement of tourist accredited land transport companies to Metro Manila
Development Authority (MMDA) for exemption from the Unified Vehicular Volume

Reduction Program (UVVRP) or number-coding scheme under certain terms and

conditions (MMDA MC No. 03, S. 2011);

5. Endorsement to LTFRB for exemption from regular franchising process for accredited
accommodation establishments to use a maximum of two (2) shuttle service vehicles
dedicated for free use of house guests and customers under certain terms and conditions
(LTFRB MC No. 2005-001);
6. Endorsement to LTFRB for the grant of Certificate of Public (CPC) for tourist land
transport operators subject to certain terms and conditions (per) Memorandum of Agreement
dated 01 September 2011);

7. Endorsement to the Department of Foreign Affairs for the grant of accreditation as

preferred travel agents servicing passport-seeking clients;

8. Entitlement to free posting of marketing collateral materials at the Clark International

Airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mactan – Cebu International Airport and other
primary gateways where the tourism department runs tourist information counters on full-time
basis;
9. Endorsement to international and domestic airports for issuance of access pass to
qualified personnel (for tour operators and accommodation establishments) meet and assist
arriving/departing guests, subject to approval of airport management;

10. Endorsement to local and foreign tour operators for inclusion of the accredited entity in
their tour packages;

11. Endorsement of local tour operators and tour guides to the Commission on Higher
Education regarding engagement of transportation, accommodation and tour guide service
for students participating in educational tours and field trip (CHED Memo No. 17, S. 2012);
12. Technical assistance and access to database information on travel and tourism liked visitor
arrival statistics, market profiles, national survey on domestic travel among other research-
based information for purposes of planning and marketing initiatives;

13. Automatic membership with the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism, Tourism
Promotions Board (TPB), for participation in its marketing promotional programs, such as
sales missions, business matching sessions and travel trade fairs and exhibitions abroad, subject
to certain terms and conditions;

14. Endorsement to Comelec for exemption from liquor ban during election periods.
15. Endorsement to embassies and travel trade associations for utilization of establishment's
facilities and services; and

16. Issuance of ID cards to bonafide employees of accredited establishments.

This act gave way to accreditation of tour guides and other tourism front liners, tourism
establishments, be a gauge for better services to level up the travel and stay of tourists here in
the Philippines. Tourism personnel, tourism-related establishments are encouraged to be
accredited by the DOT to ensure a safe, reliable and more professional way of providing
services to the visiting tourists, both local or foreign.
 Accreditation Requirements for Tour
Guides
✓ Accomplished application form from the Department of Tourism
✓Two pieces 1x1 picture
✓ NBI clearance (local employment)
✓ Occupational permit from the LGU
✓ Certificate of Training (previous year)
✓ Accreditation Fee
 Licensing

It is issued by the Local government unit, the effective of which is

December 31 of each year. This is a mandatory requirement and
renewal should be done January of every year, with grace period given
by the LGU Licensing Committee. A fine is imposed to those who
renew after the deadline.
 Licensing Requirements
• Accomplished application form from the local government unit
• Two pieces 1x1 picture
• Barangay clearance
• Police clearance
• Health certificates from a government physician
• Accreditation certificates from the Department of Tourism
• Licensing Fee- varies according to the LGU
 Academic Requirements
Tour guiding, being a profession should also be backed by proof of educational capability
in the form of certificates, diplomas, and related documents to support the claim attending
secondary, tertiary, technical education, and enhancement seminars.

Presently, at least, 72 units should be earned and completed as required. Fluency in foreign
language, other than English is an advantage because of the scarcity of foreign language-
speaking guides. Local or community guides which are usually based in the localities or
small barangays are also given special basic awareness seminars even without finishing
secondary education.
 Continuing Education for Tour Guides
Lifelong learning applies to everyone. It is not only for tour guides and other front liners in the
tourism and hospitality industry. There are a lot to learn. For tour guides, enhancement seminars are
critical to getting updated to the many trends and issues happening both local and international
scene. Tourists now are more educated, equipped with the modern technology applications at hand
using sophisticated machine and gadgets. This reality allows the tourists to have easy access to
information. It is therefore expected that the tour guide is equal if not more knowledgeable than the
guests regarding information.

The Department of Tourism is regularly sponsoring free seminars for this purpose. Other academic
institutions offer crash courses on specified topic related to tourism and tour guiding, which is
continuous learning.
 Personality Requirements
Professional tour guiding does not end with the completion/submission of these documents. It takes a
lot of personal values, character, and discipline to be able to come out as an effective, excellent and
well-mannered tour guide/ service provider and tourism frontline representing the country and the
people. A well-rounded personality and high moral and ethical standards are part of the personality
requirements expected of a professional tour guide. This is the most important of all the above-
mentioned requirements, professional and academic. It is the true essence of a tour guide with the heart.

Given this kind of description of an effective professional tour guide, one has to possess a total
personality with particular character traits and behavior, trained to develop the skills of communication
continuously, and learn to perform tasks which are sometimes beyond the call of duty in a given
situation.
 Values Education
Values formation starts at home, which is our first "school". Parents are our first
teachers. Schools are the second home. Thus, teachers are second parents. In any
stage of our being a person, the values inculcated in us by our parents, guardians,
teachers; grandparents greatly has an impact on how we behave. The positive
influences that we acquired through education and experience will surely be a
strong part of our individuality. It becomes part of our character as we grow, and
build our beliefs, translated into actions in our daily lives.
 People Skills

According to the Portland Business Journal, people skills are described as: understand
ourselves and moderating our responses, talking effectively and empathizing building
relationships of trust, respect, and productive interactions. The world of tour guiding is
talking with people. It deals with much interactive communication between guests and the
guide. The ability to entertain the guests, and make them feel comfortable while on tour is
an example of a tour guide with excellent people skills. It is not knowing what to say but
how to say it is what matters most.
 Communication Skills
1. Language proficiency - the Philippines is an English-speaking country, and
most of the people speak English, making it a primary reason foreign tourists
prefer visit the country.

2. Avoid using highfalutin words, use simple, easy to understand words

communication is not only all about the facility of the language, but if the
message has been conveyed the way the sender wants it to be understood, then
effective communication has taken place.
3. Try to get rid of regional accent Language is an element of culture. There wonderful words in
every country, different pronunciation and diction, making it a challenge to understand the content of
the phrase quickly because of different accent. This can be addressed by good listening skills.

4. Use synonyms to explain, to describe something - important keywords should adequately

emphasized for better understanding. Emphasis can be achieved speaking more slowly and clearly.
Use non-verbal communication in a difficult thing or situation

5. Conduct your commentary in a relaxed manner, entertaining and energetic success of the tour also
depends on the ability of the tour guide to express simple and meaty at the same time.
 The Tour Guide Personality
To some people, tour guiding profession seems to be a dream career. However, unrealistic
expectations can quickly transform the dream into a nightmare, given the challenges of handling
complaints from the guests, making them feel comfortable, ensuring their safe and enjoyable travel
and stay in a destination. It is a harsh and demanding job, with hard- earned rewards.

The thought of "traveling for free" and "getting paid" sounds glamorous, but in reality, it will take
you away from your family for a while, many times. Tour guides live in a suitcase. After a tour, going
home means a change of clothes, bags are packed again for the next tour assignment. You go home
to see your growing children in bed and leave early the next day when they are still in bed again.
Mostly, tour guides are unmarried and have to adjust to an extended period of absences, away from
families.
 The Tour Manager Personality
Some tour guides became successful because when they enter this profession, they were already
aware of the industry, being a dynamic one. Being, outgoing, outspoken and to travel and meet
people are not new to them anymore. Easily, they can adjust, embrace the kind of life of a tour guide.
A tour manager can handle problems in a subtle without being obvious, but calm and in a low-key
manner.

Tour operators have their preferred tour guides based on their personality and ability handle quests.
Some would like guides who are entertainers more than any other qualification. Those who can lead
sing-along, organize games, mostly for students younger market. Others would prefer escorts/guides
who can excellently we commentaries about history, culture and give informative spiels. For them,
the ability entertain is just secondary, and not the main focus of tour guiding.
 An Outgoing Personality
his profession will bring you to famous faces and places. An outgoing personality will a
big edge to be able to perform the duties of a tour guide. Not shy, ready to face people.
Love to visit places of interest and learn the local culture. Being observant and willing
learn through experience is part of being outgoing, an extrovert type of person.

Other Skills
a. Leadership skills
b. Organizational skills
d. Decisiveness
c. People skills
Qualities of an Effective Tour Guide
a. Love of Country m. Fairness in Treatment
b. People Loving n. Good Health
c. Open-mindedness o Good Communicator
d. Tactfulness p. Patience
e. Punctuality q. Reasonable
f. Proper decorum r. Assertiveness
g. Honesty s. Humble
h. Resourcefulness t. Polite
i. Self-confidence
j. Sense of Humor
k. Enthusiasm
l. Sense of Leadership
 Other Personal Qualities for Tour Guiding
a. mature Services
b. able to accept responsibility
c. patient and tactful
d. understanding and acceptance of different cultures
e. excellent organizational skills
f. excellent general knowledge of Australia and regional touring areas
g. problem-solving skills and ability to think logically
h. excellent communication and negotiation skills
i. able to cope with the physical demands of the job
Tour guides come in many guises and go by several names.
Sometimes referred to as tour leader, escort, tour manager, tour
director. A tour guide is a generic name that' encompasses all
forms of tour guiding tasks.
THANK YOU!!